Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972: Merrimack College (MA), OCR Case No. (01-10-6001)

On September 28, 2012, OCR resolved a proactive Title IX athletics compliance review initiated against Merrimack College (College) in Massachusetts. The review determined that the College discriminated against female students by denying them an equal opportunity to participate in its intercollegiate athletics program and in awards of athletic scholarships. OCR found that the College’s female students were underrepresented in its athletics program and that it was providing women with less than a proportionate share of athletic financial assistance. The College entered into an Agreement with OCR which will ensure that its athletic participation rates by sex are substantially proportional to student enrollment through the addition of six teams for female athletes. Further, the College will develop a strategic plan that will provide significant additional aid to female athletes and implement an improved system to track athletic financial assistance. Finally, the College will create a Title IX Committee that will include the broader College community to monitor its progress in achieving Title IX compliance. OCR will also monitor the College’s implementation of the Agreement.